| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Indianapolis/100k people | Indiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 39,041 | n/a (estimate) | 4,404 | 1,850 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 208 | n/a | 23.5 | 6.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 565 | n/a | 63.7 | 32.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1,624 | n/a | 183.2 | 43.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 6,712 | n/a | 757.2 | 224.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 9,109 | n/a (estimate) | 1,028 | 306 | 370 |
| Burglary | 4,804 | n/a | 541.9 | 226.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 20,451 | n/a | 2,307.1 | 1,118.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 4,677 | n/a | 527.6 | 199.4 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 29,932 | n/a (estimate) | 3,377 | 1,544 | 1,954 |
The Indianapolis crime rates are 89.5% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 9109 violent crimes in Indianapolis (1028 per 100,000 people), which is 177.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 29932 property crimes (3377 per 100,000 residents) which is 72.8% higher than average.
In Indianapolis, the crime rate stands at 4404 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 89.49%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Indianapolis that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
Indianapolis ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 1028 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Indianapolis stand at 1 in every 98 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Indianapolis stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Indianapolis, there were a total of 208 murders, translating to 23 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
With a total of 4677 vehicle thefts last year, Indianapolis has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 528 per 100,000 people. This lands Indianapolis in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 190.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Indianapolis residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 318 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 23% of Indianapolis residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 77% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Indianapolis, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Indianapolis presents a total crime rate that is 89% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Indianapolis experiences an average of 106.96 daily crimes, comprising 24.96 violent incidents and 82.01 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Indianapolis. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Indianapolis has increased by 4.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 41.7%, while property crime has increased by 2.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis has a population density of 2404 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Indianapolis crime rates.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Indianapolis, 80.7% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Indianapolis, the cost of living is 11.09% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Indianapolis | Indiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1,813 | 8,766 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Indiana /100K | National /100K |
| Indiana | 12,315 | 198 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Meridian Hills, IN | 1,712 | 43 | 217 | 260 |
| New Palestine, IN | 2,456 | 101 | 235 | 336 |
| Zionsville, IN | 28,035 | 15 | 359 | 375 |
| New Whiteland, IN | 6,178 | 36 | 339 | 375 |
| Clermont, IN | 1,365 | 104 | 527 | 632 |
| Warren Park, IN | 1,477 | 115 | 581 | 696 |
| Wynnedale, IN | 196 | 124 | 624 | 747 |
| Indianapolis, IN | 869,387 | 1,028 | 3,377 | 4,404 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Charlotte, NC | 873,570 | 746 | 3,375 | 4,121 |
| San Francisco, CA | 874,784 | 696 | 6,246 | 6,942 |
| Columbus, OH | 889,079 | 450 | 3,484 | 3,934 |
| Fort Worth, TX | 892,221 | 502 | 2,740 | 3,242 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 902,488 | 387 | 2,339 | 2,726 |
| Indianapolis, IN | 869,387 | 1,028 | 3,377 | 4,404 |
Here are the best places to live in Indiana
Top 10 best public schools in Indianapolis
See the best places to live in & around Indianapolis
Check out the 10 safest cities in Indiana